ASEAN needs an emergency meeting on Myanmar, a failed state in waiting
President Jokowi, with the help of his chief diplomat Retno, needs to launch another diplomatic offensive to bring millions of Myanmar’s people out of the crisis by hosting an…
Kornelius Purba
Jokowi’s blank check for Prabowo in exchange for son and Nusantara
The blank check means Prabowo will get whatever he needs to win the presidential race on Feb. 14, 2024, including protection and support from the state apparatus.
Prabowo is tipping Gibran to be heir to his political legacy
The writer says that by choosing Gibran as his running mate, Prabowo is hopeful that the Surakarta mayor will one day be his political heir and preserve his legacy.
Wishing that toddlers sing ‘I am a healthy kid’ once again
The 2022 Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) found that stunting in children nationwide stood at a worrying 21.6 percent, notes the writer.
Honoring first ladies as the presidents’ soft power
The writer says it is time for the nation to pay tribute to the six Indonesian first ladies.
Expanding the Foreign Ministry as Jokowi had in mind four years ago
The writer says that Jokowi should now expand and enhance the authority of the Foreign Ministry to leave a strong legacy to the nation.
A humiliating moment for Thai foreign minister Pramudwinai
The writer says prohibiting the Myanmar junta from attending Asean meetings is a wise decision, although, as Thailand has proved, lacks efficacy.
Megawati has questions to answer about rights abuses in Aceh
The writer says Megawati should at least feel guilty for the atrocities and take steps to heal the wounds of the victims and their families.
Granting the Jakarta-Surabaya train project to China is dangerous
The writer says before going ahead with the Jakarta-Surabaya railway project, Jokowi must calculate the long-term impact of his decision, including public scrutiny when he is no…
Emperor Naruhito’s visit, the selfie and the future of sultan’s daughter
The writer writes about differences in selfie culture, which is taboo within the Japanese royal family but is common practice among many Indonesians, including President Jokowi.